It doesn’t matter if you are moving across the country or to the other side of the state; a good packing and moving strategy is essential for protecting your belongings and ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience. Before you start sorting the closets or taping up the boxes, it is smart to compile a moving checklist so nothing is overlooked in the last-minute details.
As you walk through your Atlanta, GA residence or house and consider all the items that need to be loaded into the truck, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you think too hard about the tasks ahead. Luckily, you don’t have to do it on your own. Early coordination with a trusted moving company is one of the best things you can do to stay ahead of the work that needs to be done.
Our team at 404 Movers has put together a moving checklist to make this process as seamless as possible. These to-do items cover all of the essential details that should happen before your upcoming moving day.
Moving Checklist: 2 Months Before the Move
Most families know at least 1 – 2 months in advance before they are moving long distance. If you know that a big move is coming up, then right now is the best time to start preparing. Here are a few checklist items that you can start working on immediately:
- Pro Movers or DIY: Decide on your approach for the move. Do you want to try a DIY move, or hire a professional moving company to handle the heavy lifting? Pro services can be hired for labor-only moves, or you can utilize the full-service solutions that include both packing and unpacking. Book the moving company as soon as possible so you can reserve the dates that are needed for your schedule.
- Evaluate Your Moving Budget: It is smart to have a bit of cash set aside for anticipated moving costs. In addition to the moving services, you can expect costs for moving boxes, packing tape, cleaning supplies, and other miscellaneous items. Setting your budget now ensures that you are prepared financially.
- Housing Arrangements: If you are buying a home in the new area, reach out to a real estate agent in the new city for assistance. Or, start searching the rental listings to find the right place for your family to live.
Moving House Checklist: 1 Month Before the Move
As the move date draws closer, you can start working on a few more items from your to-do list:
- Gather Boxes: Start looking for free boxes. Craigslist is a great resource where people often give away their boxes after moving. Another option is to talk to family, friends, and local grocery stores.
- Sell Old Furniture: Right now is the time to coordinate the removal of heavy, outdated, or damaged furniture that you aren’t bringing to the new house. It’s not worth the cost to move these items long distances. You might sell them at discounted prices through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Or, hold a garage sale to get rid of furniture and other household items that you won’t be bringing.
- Utilities and Services: Start a list of addresses that need to be updated, as well as services or utilities that need to be transferred. You can reach out to the companies with a new address notification when the time is right. Not only do you need to notify the gas, electric, and internet providers of the date when services should discontinue at your old house, but now is the time to begin the arrangements for services at the new location.
- Use Up Food in the Fridge: Start planning your meals around the perishable foods in the fridge and freezer that need to be used. Also, look for ways to use pantry items to minimize the number of kitchen boxes that need to be moved.
Final Week Moving Checklist
Now that the big move is just a few days away, it’s time to finish the final details so you are ready for moving day. These are a few of the most important things you need to be doing this week:
- Donations: Drop off donations of items that you don’t want to bring along. Donation centers, like the Salvation Army or Goodwill, accept clothing, furniture, and household goods.
- Suitcase: Pack a suitcase with a few changes of clothes, toiletries, and any other personal items you need to access during the first day or two after the move.
- Boxing: Finish packing boxes and add big labels of what is inside. It can be helpful to color-code the boxes if needed based on the rooms in the house: kitchen, bathroom, toy room, office, etc.
- Cash: Stop at the bank so you have cash on hand for any unexpected costs. Cash can be useful for tipping the movers, paying for pizza delivery, or picking up last-minute moving supplies if you run out.
- Cleaning: Start deep-cleaning the bathrooms, kitchen, and the rest of the house. Some of these cleaning tasks can be done in advance, such as washing the windows and wiping down the baseboards.
Moving Day Checklist
Before the movers arrive, a few last-minute details need to be addressed:
- Clear a pathway so the movers can move through the main door easily
- Protect the flooring if needed
- Load your packed suitcase and other sensitive or valuable items into your car
- Walk through the home for a final check
While you will be proactively engaged in the activities of the day, let the pros take care of the heavy lifting. That’s the benefit of hiring a professional moving company!
Consult with the Moving Experts
Should a moving across town checklist be any different than a checklist for moving out of state? More often than not, these two lists are similar. Regardless of the distance the truck drives, you still need to coordinate the packing and unpacking details, as well as other essential tasks such as cleaning both the old and new houses.
At 404 Movers, we are here to help with anything that you need. Our team offers more than basic moving services; we can assist with specialty services such as junk hauling and removal, senior moves, and more. Whether you are planning a small move, residential move, or commercial/business move, we can help with packing and unpacking or labor only services. Call for a quote now: (404) 753-6683 or book your move online in no time.